Claude Monet has been heralded as the father of the French artistic movement, Impressionism, which attempts to look at the moment to moment effects of light on everyday subjects.

Monet was born in Paris and grew up in Le Havre, France, along the beautiful, yet rugged, Normandy coast. In Le Havre, Monet's passion for the landscape was born. Monet followed his passion for art to Paris where his abilities and desires were nurtured. It was during his years in Paris that Monet's professional associations with Renoir, Sisley, and Pissarro began, and continued throughout his life. These relationships collectively gave rise to the Impressionist movement, named after Monet's painting IMPRESSION: SUNRISE, which is now held at the Museum Marmotten in Paris.

In 1883 Monet returned to his beloved Normandy; more specifically, to the small village of Giverny, just north of Paris, along the Seine River. By 1890, Monet had become affluent enough through his art, that he was able to purchase his home and gardens in Giverny. He subsequently, created an environment which reflected his artistic sensibility: an oasis complete with water lily ponds and Japanese bridges which gently span the now famous water gardens. Monet painted 12 very large canvases of the water lily basin which he donated to the French Government and to this day, can be viewed at the Museum L'Orangerie in Paris. In the film "Monet's Palate™," Professor Joachim Pissarro, noted art historian and Great- Grandson of Camille Pissarro, states, "When the right light effect was there, Monet would have to run immediately to capture it." Monet's home and gardens, nestled within the region of Normandy, supplied the artist and his Impressionist followers with the right subjects and contrasts of light.

Monet's years in Giverny were marked with artistic accomplishments which many believe remain unsurpassed to this day. Due to the work and support of Museé Claude Monet, which was essential to the restoration of Monet's home and gardens, visitors now have a window into the life and loves of one of the greatest artists of all time. © Aileen Bordman 2008